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Last chance to book - ACE National Conference takes place next week

Danny Alexander

Chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander will headline ACE’s 2015 National Conference on 4 March. With the conference now just one week away, this week is the last chance to register for an event that will explore the challenges facing the industry as it heads towards the General Election.

As well as Alexander, Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury Cathy Jamieson will share the podium on the day alongside well-known economist, Vicky Pryce and Heathrow CEO, John Holland-Kaye.

Having spent the last five years at the heart of decision making in the Coalition, Alexander has first-hand experience of the way the industry can influence the cross party political debate surrounding infrastructure investment.

ACE APP NOW AVAILABLE

In readiness for the National ACE has launched its new ‘Access ACE’ app. The app gives access to the wide range of information and services ACE provides including information on publications, reports and sector snapshots providing expert analysis in the road, rail, water, energy, property, sustainability, health & safety, human resources and legal sectors App users will also be able to follow ACE social media posts to get real time updates on news and events that impact the industry. The ‘Access ACE’ app is available on the Apple App Store or Google play or downloaded from ACE’s website www.acenet.co.uk/app

His experience means he will also be well placed to share observations on the impact infrastructure investment has made to economic growth and comment on how the consultancy sector can capitalise on regional devolution being hotly debated in the wake of the Scottish independence referendum.

While in office the Coalition has outlined a number of initiatives for capital investment in roads, railways and housing. Most recently, the National Infrastructure Plan 2014, announced a commitment from the government to invest £15bn in road improvements, as well as a £2.3 billion pledge to improve flood defences, and a radical approach to new housing.

At this year’s conference, Alexander, who jointly chairs the National Infrastructure Plan Strategic Engagement Forum with ACE chief executive Nelson Ogunshakin, promises to bring an expert opinion on all matters concerning the planning funding and delivery of infrastructure.

The National Conference is themed around ‘Engineering Growth’ and takes place on Wednesday 4 March at the Westminster Conference Centre in Victoria Street, Westminster, London.

The one day event, now in its eight year, will bring together the industry to discuss and debate a range of issues including:

·       the political risk involved with the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects. Leading industry experts will be on hand to discuss how best to combat the threat of simmering tensions as project kick off.

·       the funding mechanisms that can make or break a project. The debate continues to rage over how best to fund infrastructure and financial experts will be on hand to set out the options.

·       the role that SMEs can play on large infrastructure projects. While it appears SMEs are often unable to access work on large-scale projects, for the UK to achieve its objectives in the near future and beyond, this perception must change.

·       the challenge of regional delivery. With the Scottish Referendum now firmly in the rear view mirror, devolution and decentralisation of power to areas across the UK means more delivery of infrastructure on a core city-region basis. Panellists will discuss the merits of increased engagements between core cities and how the consultancy sector can take advantage of devolution.

·       how can the engineering sector continue to demonstrate the economic benefits of infrastructure development. With the UK economy on an upward trajectory, continued investment in infrastructure remains critical to growth. This panel will debate the challenge.

Other confirmed speakers include Darryl Murphy, partner, KPMG Corporate Finance, Peter Hansford, Chief Economic Advisor to the UK Government, and Colin Murray, Core Cities Group.

For further information and to register to attend the ACE National Conference, visit www.acenet.co.uk or click here to book your place.

Every ACE member firm can claim two free places at the conference.